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Rocky Marriage dies in South Africa

By Bloodstock World Staff 11:05AM 19 FEB 2010

ROCKY MARRIAGE, a long-serving stallion at Ivanhoe Stud in the KwaZulu -Natal region of South Africa, died recently at the age of 30.

Rocky Marriage, who had been pensioned from stud duties five years ago, was by Riva Ridge and out of the Candy Spots mare Exciting Divorcee, whose half-sister Lemhi Love produced last year's Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Dancing In Silks.

He began his career in training in England where he won two races, his maiden and the Donnington Castle Stakes at Newbury at two.

Transferred to race in America, Rocky Marriage won ten races including the Grade 2 Bold Ruler Stakes and the Berkeley Handicap, and finished second in the Carter Handicap.

After one season at stud in America he was sent to IvanhoeStud in 1988. His best South African-bred progeny were Group 1 Mabaleng Golden Spur winner July Day and Group 1-placed Cherry Tree Hill.